Christina Applegate says her doctor told her she was misdiagnosed with MS

Christina Applegate shared on her podcast that her doctor diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis (MS) incorrectly, according to the AP. Applegate first disclosed her MS diagnosis in 2021, but now admits she doesn't have the autoimmune disease. She said, "I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me," during the latest episode of her podcast "MeSsy" with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Despite the misdiagnosis, Applegate still experiences MS-like symptoms, requiring her to use wheelchairs for doctor's appointments and struggle walking from her car to a room. MS diagnosis involves ruling out other potential causes, and a single test doesn't exist for the condition. Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, a neurologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, said misdiagnosis rates are about 10%.

Greenberg emphasized doctors should avoid putting a single diagnosis on patients, as this can influence other medical professionals to overlook alternative possibilities. For patients, Greenberg recommended seeking second opinions when receiving a serious or chronic diagnosis. Applegate expressed feeling let down by her advocacy for MS patients and the confusion she faces after being on the podcast.